10 best movers in Alexandria, Virginia

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of Virginia is International Van Lines. For a local move in the Alexandria area, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Alexandria

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move to a different state. When moving across state lines, ensure your mover has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to confirm a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We've verified that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Alexandria is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Alexandria is above 97.1% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved when moving, so expenses add up fast. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Professional labor
• Junk removal
• Fuel
• Storage
• Supplies
• Packing

Your total cost may also be influenced by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move oversized, fragile or valuable items. These items can be more expensive to move:

• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Artwork and sculptures
• Safes
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Pianos

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, how much they charge.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's customary to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, traffic, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Alexandria.

Be communicative

To prevent unexpected charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, your movers can usually add small items to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — should be discussed in advance. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can save some money and ensure you get your preferred moving company.

Most people hire movers from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during slower months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective moving provider.

While you can move on your own, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Getting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. If you lack the time or support system required for a self-move, hiring movers is worth it.

Another alternative is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Alexandria

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will tackle every part of the moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only include the loading up and transport of your belongings. The price can be justified, considering the time and labor packers save you, in addition to covering the cost of packing materials. Full-service moving may also offer more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Virginia are also required to have a license from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to learn about your mover’s insurance policies. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the best time to move in the U.S., which creates substantially increased demand and notably higher rates across the country for moves of all types. With good reason, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your personal car. We also recommend keeping valuable technology with you while moving.

Most moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for high-value possessions, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those belongings with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Fertilizers
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Batteries
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Aerosols
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Perishable foods and produce
• Fuel sources

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.